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Worthy
New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde tells the story of two strangers coming together and uncovering a shared tragedy that kept them apart. They might’ve been a family. Virginia finally had the chance to explore a relationship with Aaron when he asked her on a date. She had been waiting, hoping that the widower and his young son, Buddy, would welcome her into their lives. But a terrible tragedy strikes on the night of their first kiss, crushing their hopes for a future together. Nineteen years later, Virginia is engaged, though she has not forgotten Aaron or Buddy. When her dog goes missing and it comes to light that her fiancé set him loose, a distraught Virginia breaks off the engagement and is alone once again. A shy young man has found the missing pet, and although he’s bonded with the animal, he answers his conscience and returns the dog. Before long, Virginia and the young man discover a connection from their pasts that will help them let go of painful memories and change their lives forever.
321 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2015
2648 people are currently reading
3440 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
72 books6,160 followersCatherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 50 published and forthcoming books.
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 824 reviews
July 1, 2018
A sweet story, but not enough dog.
The audio was disconcerting as well. There were two readers, one male, one female. When a chapter was about a male, Buddy, for instance, the male would try to mimic a female voice when necessary. I kept thinking, you have a female narrator. Why isn't she speaking for the female in this chapter.
3 stars
The audio was disconcerting as well. There were two readers, one male, one female. When a chapter was about a male, Buddy, for instance, the male would try to mimic a female voice when necessary. I kept thinking, you have a female narrator. Why isn't she speaking for the female in this chapter.
3 stars
January 24, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was such a heart breaking and heart warming story. It made me cry real tears and also smile. I adored the wonderful and very real feeling characters, including the dogs.
With listening to it as an audiobook, the characters really came to life and kept me company while I was home alone over the weekend. I actually felt quite sad when this book finished, as I really missed the characters that had been with me for a couple of days.
I can’t wait to read or listen to more by this author, as this is my favourite audiobook so far, and if her other stories are only half as wonderful and touching as this one, I’m sure I’m going to love them too.
I borrowed this book in audiobook format through Kindle Unlimited.
With listening to it as an audiobook, the characters really came to life and kept me company while I was home alone over the weekend. I actually felt quite sad when this book finished, as I really missed the characters that had been with me for a couple of days.
I can’t wait to read or listen to more by this author, as this is my favourite audiobook so far, and if her other stories are only half as wonderful and touching as this one, I’m sure I’m going to love them too.
I borrowed this book in audiobook format through Kindle Unlimited.
February 6, 2021
“Worthy” by Catherine Ryan Hyde
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another incredible story written by Catherine Ryan Hyde...you never disappoint me!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another incredible story written by Catherine Ryan Hyde...you never disappoint me!
April 12, 2017
Twenty years earlier, Virginia had met the man she planned on spending her life with. Then tragedy struck and not only did she lose the love of her life but she also lost any chance at being a part of his young son's life.
When her dog goes missing it is that same boy, now in his early twenties who rescues him. He still suffers from the accident that took his father. He is terrified of his own shadow. But together with a dog they somehow take the first steps at rebuilding their lives.
Loved this book. It's a story of redemption, and the healing power of dogs.
When her dog goes missing it is that same boy, now in his early twenties who rescues him. He still suffers from the accident that took his father. He is terrified of his own shadow. But together with a dog they somehow take the first steps at rebuilding their lives.
Loved this book. It's a story of redemption, and the healing power of dogs.
March 30, 2022
This was heart-warming and entertaining with some real down-to-earth characters. I listened to this on audible books, and the narrators were fantastic; they brought the characters to life and made you feel the story. I loved how they emphasized that you don't have to be related to be family. I loved the dog in this story; he was so sweet, loyal, and loving!! This is a wonderful story, and I highly recommend it, especially to dog lovers. ♡
July 8, 2015
What a heart warming, heart breaking, true to life, sensitive story this is. Its written the way only Catherine Ryan Hyde can. She brings it all out to the fore. I just am such a fan of her work and read almost all of her books now.
Each day Aaron and his son who is only 4 years old walk to the diner to spend some time with Ginnie. Aaron has had a soft spot for Ginnie since...oh...forever, and finally he brazens it out and kisses her and asks her on a date.
But wow, on the way home walking back a tragedy happens. Really heart rending, this results in his young son Buddy being taken to live with his Grandparents.
Ginnie is heartbroken and grieving.
There are further developments 19 years later that bring them together.
Ginnie comes across to me a very sensitive woman, strong, but also worthy of knowing she can be strong when she needs to be.
Buddy is just a diamond. I loved how he was portrayed.
And the dog that binds them altogether?
Read it and see. I dare you to read it and not 'feel' something. I dare you to not shed a tear.
Beautifully written.
Its sad, there is no getting away from this and definitely you will need tissues.
My thanks go to Lake Union Publishing via Net Galley for my personal copy.
May 16, 2015
I would like to thank Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this book!
I have read some many of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books and there are so many I love as favorites, this is a new one. She can write such heartfelt books.
Aaron and his 4 year old son Buddy and their dog Sheila walk every day to the diner just so Aaron can spend time with Virginia (Ginnie). They eat as well of course :) Aaron and Ginnie have feelings for each other and he finally gets up the nerve to kiss her and ask her out on a date. Unfortunately, a tragedy strikes on their walk back home and Buddy ends up getting carted away to live with his grandparents in Florida.
Nineteen years later, Ginnie and Fern own the diner where they worked all of those years ago. The diner was put up for sell that same fateful day that Aaron and Buddy came in to eat. Buddy suggested she buy the diner so she wouldn't have to move or worry about another job, and her and Fern did just that.
Ginnie is engaged to a jerk named Lloyd. Fern can't understand why and Ginnie has been having some reservations. But all of this changes when Lloyd tries to get rid of Ginnie's dog T-Rex that she has had for 6 years and loves more than anything.
Needless to say, when she finds out, Lloyd is out the door and she meets a boy named Jody that took in her dog and saved him from freezing to death.
From here is a story of old wounds, healing, love, and the ability to change lives forever in a most wonderful way!
I loved every minute of it!
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
I have read some many of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books and there are so many I love as favorites, this is a new one. She can write such heartfelt books.
Aaron and his 4 year old son Buddy and their dog Sheila walk every day to the diner just so Aaron can spend time with Virginia (Ginnie). They eat as well of course :) Aaron and Ginnie have feelings for each other and he finally gets up the nerve to kiss her and ask her out on a date. Unfortunately, a tragedy strikes on their walk back home and Buddy ends up getting carted away to live with his grandparents in Florida.
Nineteen years later, Ginnie and Fern own the diner where they worked all of those years ago. The diner was put up for sell that same fateful day that Aaron and Buddy came in to eat. Buddy suggested she buy the diner so she wouldn't have to move or worry about another job, and her and Fern did just that.
Ginnie is engaged to a jerk named Lloyd. Fern can't understand why and Ginnie has been having some reservations. But all of this changes when Lloyd tries to get rid of Ginnie's dog T-Rex that she has had for 6 years and loves more than anything.
Needless to say, when she finds out, Lloyd is out the door and she meets a boy named Jody that took in her dog and saved him from freezing to death.
From here is a story of old wounds, healing, love, and the ability to change lives forever in a most wonderful way!
I loved every minute of it!
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
January 10, 2018
I am a sucker for animal-based fiction, and I picked up a couple of this author's
books for that reason. The author and I are off to a good start with this one.
Second chances are the focus here for a boy named Buddy, a woman named Virginia and a dog named Worthy.The story is heart-breaking and uplifting. I ran the gamut of emotion as I found myself invested in these characters. And the double meaning of the book's title hit home. Yep, she and I are off to a great start.
books for that reason. The author and I are off to a good start with this one.
Second chances are the focus here for a boy named Buddy, a woman named Virginia and a dog named Worthy.The story is heart-breaking and uplifting. I ran the gamut of emotion as I found myself invested in these characters. And the double meaning of the book's title hit home. Yep, she and I are off to a great start.
November 4, 2020
Somewhat engaging tale of a woman on her own getting on with life after the seeming love of her life dies tragically after the two finally seem to be getting together. Virginia later bought the diner she was working at when this happened with her friend Fern. All pretty pedestrian and slow going.
Many years later, she and Fern still run the diner and Virginia has a dog named Trex and a fiance, who turns out to be a baddie and abandons Trex in the boonies in the freezing cold, near a lake where Jody finds him, takes him in as his own and renames him Worthy.
So the story muddles on for far too much longer, and not much happens, other than a big ice storm and the nasty ex fiance. Not her best book, but there were enough elements of Ms Ryan's other books to keep me reading until the end. Yawn. I do like books about dogs though.
Many years later, she and Fern still run the diner and Virginia has a dog named Trex and a fiance, who turns out to be a baddie and abandons Trex in the boonies in the freezing cold, near a lake where Jody finds him, takes him in as his own and renames him Worthy.
So the story muddles on for far too much longer, and not much happens, other than a big ice storm and the nasty ex fiance. Not her best book, but there were enough elements of Ms Ryan's other books to keep me reading until the end. Yawn. I do like books about dogs though.
June 12, 2015
Worthy is one of those books that draws the reader in. Catherine Ryan Hyde has such a distinct voice and the way she tells her stories makes the characters so real. She takes her time building the story and the characters, creating an attachment between the story within the pages and the reader themselves. There is something for every reader in Worthy and this is one of those books I will not soon forget. 5 stars
December 22, 2023
"Worthy " of your attention.
Love Catherine Ryan Hyde's contemporary novels. They're always so uplifting and satisfying. Both Virginia and Jody were memorable characters and a dog named Worthy stole my heart. I read this one in one sitting.
Goodreads review published 21/12/23
Love Catherine Ryan Hyde's contemporary novels. They're always so uplifting and satisfying. Both Virginia and Jody were memorable characters and a dog named Worthy stole my heart. I read this one in one sitting.
Goodreads review published 21/12/23
May 7, 2015
A special thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nice cover.
Catherine Ryan Hyde’s WORTHY is a lighthearted, simple yet painful story of a sensitive mentally challenged little boy, and a lonely adult woman, both connected by their love of one lovable dog--a past, a loss, a tragedy, and memories which forever changes the course of their lives.
Aaron is a raising a four year old son, Buddy with fears of everything. He has phobias, and does not interact well on a social level. He loves his dog named Shelia and does not do well with bridges.
Virginia works at a nearby diner and has fallen for Aaron, and his little boy. She has her heart set on future dates with this man, a life, and can see herself being a stepmom to little Buddy.
One night when leaving the diner, a tragedy occurs and the sweet family Virginia had planned comes to an end, as quickly as it began. When she tries reaching out to the boy, his grandparents have come to take him away and she has no way to find him. The grandparents are not very caring people and everything Buddy has known is gone.
Heartbroken, Virginia gets on with her life, buys the diner with her friend, Fern and later at age fifty-seven settles for a loser guy and is engaged to marry. This guy is jealous of her dog, and takes the dog off to the woods to get rid of him while she is at work. Of course she is frantic and searches everywhere for her dog.
In the meantime, Aaron moves to Florida with his grandparents and they still have the cabin in the same town where the tragedy occurred. Aaron has had a rough childhood and now finds himself taking care of his elderly grandfather with dementia. Aaron is mentally challenged even at age twenty, with the mind of a child. Now he is left in a grownup world with big responsibilities when some mean man lets a dog off, in front of his house in the cold of winter to die.
He will rescue this dog and make it his own. He will name it Worthy and no one will take it away from him. However, fate steps in and Virginia and Aaron connect again. With the shared love a one dog, may be just what the doctor ordered, for both these lost souls.
An avid fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde for years, and a lover of Golden Retrievers (this dog was a mix); however, felt WORTHY was lacking in substance, and seemed a little juvenile and disconnected, more like a children’s book, than an adult fiction. May appeal to some readers; however, I need a little something more to stimulate my literary cravings with depth; a little too elementary, for my taste.
I would recommend TAKE ME WITH YOU, landing on my Top Books of 2014.
JDC Must Read Books
Catherine Ryan Hyde’s WORTHY is a lighthearted, simple yet painful story of a sensitive mentally challenged little boy, and a lonely adult woman, both connected by their love of one lovable dog--a past, a loss, a tragedy, and memories which forever changes the course of their lives.
Aaron is a raising a four year old son, Buddy with fears of everything. He has phobias, and does not interact well on a social level. He loves his dog named Shelia and does not do well with bridges.
Virginia works at a nearby diner and has fallen for Aaron, and his little boy. She has her heart set on future dates with this man, a life, and can see herself being a stepmom to little Buddy.
One night when leaving the diner, a tragedy occurs and the sweet family Virginia had planned comes to an end, as quickly as it began. When she tries reaching out to the boy, his grandparents have come to take him away and she has no way to find him. The grandparents are not very caring people and everything Buddy has known is gone.
Heartbroken, Virginia gets on with her life, buys the diner with her friend, Fern and later at age fifty-seven settles for a loser guy and is engaged to marry. This guy is jealous of her dog, and takes the dog off to the woods to get rid of him while she is at work. Of course she is frantic and searches everywhere for her dog.
In the meantime, Aaron moves to Florida with his grandparents and they still have the cabin in the same town where the tragedy occurred. Aaron has had a rough childhood and now finds himself taking care of his elderly grandfather with dementia. Aaron is mentally challenged even at age twenty, with the mind of a child. Now he is left in a grownup world with big responsibilities when some mean man lets a dog off, in front of his house in the cold of winter to die.
He will rescue this dog and make it his own. He will name it Worthy and no one will take it away from him. However, fate steps in and Virginia and Aaron connect again. With the shared love a one dog, may be just what the doctor ordered, for both these lost souls.
An avid fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde for years, and a lover of Golden Retrievers (this dog was a mix); however, felt WORTHY was lacking in substance, and seemed a little juvenile and disconnected, more like a children’s book, than an adult fiction. May appeal to some readers; however, I need a little something more to stimulate my literary cravings with depth; a little too elementary, for my taste.
I would recommend TAKE ME WITH YOU, landing on my Top Books of 2014.
JDC Must Read Books
July 13, 2015
I can't really express how much I love this book. Now overall, I am pretty sure I tend to rate books with dogs in them rather high, since I am such a dog lover, but realizing that, I am trying to more closely analyze those types of books before jumping into a review. Taking that into account, I still have to give Worthy 5 stars. I have not previously read any of Hyde's works, and was drawn into this one when I saw it on Netgalley strictly by the cover. However, it proved to be a good leap of faith.
Worthy is a book about finding one's self worth. It isn't necessarily a love story, but love stories do play an important role in the book. Virginia dumps her fiance after he dumps her beloved dog out a country road on the coldest night of the year while she is at work. A young man, Jody, takes the dog in and takes on the role of the dog's savior, vowing to never return such a "worthy" animal to such a loser. Jody has had a tough life and has socialization issues, but Worthy manages to bring him out of his shell and reunites him with a part of his past which he doesn't realize he desperately needs.
I love almost everything about this book. I immediately felt a connection with Virginia and Jody. I truly enjoyed Virginia's relationship with her best friend Fern, who has no trouble telling Virginia how things really are in life. She also shows up with much needed martinis when they are needed. The story is sad in places and definitely tugs at your heart. However, the sadness wasn't overdone and even in the dark areas, you could tell there was always a glimmer of hope. Finally, this book takes place in a small-town and for some reason, even though I grew up in a small town and hated it as a child, I love the dynamics of small towns in many books I read.
There was little I didn't enjoy about Worthy. It is a wonderful contemporary novel which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good read - of course, if you like books which delve into the deep connection between animals and humans, then you should definitely give this book a go. I don't think you will regret it!
Worthy is a book about finding one's self worth. It isn't necessarily a love story, but love stories do play an important role in the book. Virginia dumps her fiance after he dumps her beloved dog out a country road on the coldest night of the year while she is at work. A young man, Jody, takes the dog in and takes on the role of the dog's savior, vowing to never return such a "worthy" animal to such a loser. Jody has had a tough life and has socialization issues, but Worthy manages to bring him out of his shell and reunites him with a part of his past which he doesn't realize he desperately needs.
I love almost everything about this book. I immediately felt a connection with Virginia and Jody. I truly enjoyed Virginia's relationship with her best friend Fern, who has no trouble telling Virginia how things really are in life. She also shows up with much needed martinis when they are needed. The story is sad in places and definitely tugs at your heart. However, the sadness wasn't overdone and even in the dark areas, you could tell there was always a glimmer of hope. Finally, this book takes place in a small-town and for some reason, even though I grew up in a small town and hated it as a child, I love the dynamics of small towns in many books I read.
There was little I didn't enjoy about Worthy. It is a wonderful contemporary novel which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good read - of course, if you like books which delve into the deep connection between animals and humans, then you should definitely give this book a go. I don't think you will regret it!
December 29, 2015
During a vacation to Mexico, while lounging on the beach, a woman in a chair close to us got up and walked toward the ocean for a swim; her husband, sitting on the other side of her, was now visible to us and had a book in his hand, close to his face. I realized that he appeared to be crying and discreetly pointed out this fact to my husband; he said, "Wow. I wonder what's he's reading?" Shortly after, we discovered that he was reading Marley & Me. Later, the gentleman passed us by, shaking his head, as he glanced toward my husband; my husband stood and said, "Hey, it's okay, man; I cried like a baby."
I'm a sucker for a good story that involves a great dog. Worthy is about a dog, the people he connects, and the power of redemption which, as the author so deftly demonstrates, manifests itself in many different ways. It's also about discovering whether we, as individuals, are worthy and who we should allow to determine our worth; do we feel worthy because of the circumstances we've endured in life or because others validate our worthiness?
This is a fairly quick read, even though it comes in at just over 300 pages; I found it to be enjoyable throughout and the story was emotionally impactful to me on a number of levels. The story is simple, so if you're interested in something complicated or unexpected, you'll not find it here; however, I think this would make a nice, easy read for a relaxing weekend.
I'm a sucker for a good story that involves a great dog. Worthy is about a dog, the people he connects, and the power of redemption which, as the author so deftly demonstrates, manifests itself in many different ways. It's also about discovering whether we, as individuals, are worthy and who we should allow to determine our worth; do we feel worthy because of the circumstances we've endured in life or because others validate our worthiness?
This is a fairly quick read, even though it comes in at just over 300 pages; I found it to be enjoyable throughout and the story was emotionally impactful to me on a number of levels. The story is simple, so if you're interested in something complicated or unexpected, you'll not find it here; however, I think this would make a nice, easy read for a relaxing weekend.
March 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I had a good idea how the basic story was going to unfold, but I was unprepared for the way this author had with subtle nuances and it is those which gave this book its emotional depth.
Virginia meets Aaron, who is a widower and a dad of a small boy. Something happens, right after their first kiss, and Virginia's heart is broken. Fast forward 19 years and bit by bit, the past is explained.
I won't say anything more, but suffice to say that the story was beautifully told. I really liked all the characters in the book, and in my opinion, this book was all about love and family, in whatever form that takes. It definitely brought a lump to my throat and made me feel warm and fuzzy :)
4.5 stars :)
Thank you Jules for your recommendation.
Virginia meets Aaron, who is a widower and a dad of a small boy. Something happens, right after their first kiss, and Virginia's heart is broken. Fast forward 19 years and bit by bit, the past is explained.
I won't say anything more, but suffice to say that the story was beautifully told. I really liked all the characters in the book, and in my opinion, this book was all about love and family, in whatever form that takes. It definitely brought a lump to my throat and made me feel warm and fuzzy :)
4.5 stars :)
Thank you Jules for your recommendation.
December 14, 2015
Hyde's trademarks are books filled with heart, poignancy, and genuine compassion. This one is no different--keep a box of tissues handy.
April 2, 2017
Very sweet story. Wish there was more to the 'reveal'. The ending dragged for me, a little too Hallmark-y.
December 15, 2022
THE MOST heartwarming story!!❤️Loved it so much!
February 18, 2024
Heart Warming
This was a heart warming and entertaining novel. Worthy is one of those books that just draws you in. The author made the characters feel real and as a dog lover with a Golden Retriever of my own, I was not surprised that Worthy brought Virginia and Jody together. Give this book a read. Its a great story of friendship, love, and a different kind of family.
This was a heart warming and entertaining novel. Worthy is one of those books that just draws you in. The author made the characters feel real and as a dog lover with a Golden Retriever of my own, I was not surprised that Worthy brought Virginia and Jody together. Give this book a read. Its a great story of friendship, love, and a different kind of family.
June 24, 2015
The stories created by Catherine Ryan Hyde have always had a great pull on me. I enjoy the ordinary people she portrays. Ordinary people with a story to tell.
Worthy is a story that’s both sweet and sad. It’s about a possible connection between a man, a woman, a child and dog – a connection that never happened. A possible loving relationship that didn’t receive the opportunity to bloom because the man and the dog drowned, the 4-year old boy is whisked away to Florida by his maternal grandparents, and the woman is left mourning. For 19 years. Until extraordinary circumstances and another dog reunite the now grown boy and the woman again.
I felt rather melancholic reading this book. But let me tell you that young man, Jody (a.k.a. Buddy) is extraordinary. He’s not like anyone else. He’s somewhat socially inept and must suffer some sort of disorder, but he’s greatly unique. His heart is so pure.
I also liked the deputy sheriff, Rondelle, such a capable and sensitive man.
This story will lift your spirits and leave you believing in the goodness of some people.
***3,5 stars***
Worthy is a story that’s both sweet and sad. It’s about a possible connection between a man, a woman, a child and dog – a connection that never happened. A possible loving relationship that didn’t receive the opportunity to bloom because the man and the dog drowned, the 4-year old boy is whisked away to Florida by his maternal grandparents, and the woman is left mourning. For 19 years. Until extraordinary circumstances and another dog reunite the now grown boy and the woman again.
I felt rather melancholic reading this book. But let me tell you that young man, Jody (a.k.a. Buddy) is extraordinary. He’s not like anyone else. He’s somewhat socially inept and must suffer some sort of disorder, but he’s greatly unique. His heart is so pure.
I also liked the deputy sheriff, Rondelle, such a capable and sensitive man.
This story will lift your spirits and leave you believing in the goodness of some people.
***3,5 stars***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2015
Catherine Ryan Hyde has a gift of writing beautiful characters. I have not yet finished one of her novels without feeling a great drive to make myself a better person.
Longtime readers of my blog are well aware of my love affair with the writing of Catherine Ryan Hyde. She writes incredibly believable, flawed, beautiful characters and has a way of making a 'simple' story(i.e. no giant plot twists, explosions, etc.) beautifully nuanced and softly entrancing, so that the reader falls into the story and comes out the other side a changed person. This novel is no exception.
Full review:
http://theinsomniacbibliophile.blogsp...
Longtime readers of my blog are well aware of my love affair with the writing of Catherine Ryan Hyde. She writes incredibly believable, flawed, beautiful characters and has a way of making a 'simple' story(i.e. no giant plot twists, explosions, etc.) beautifully nuanced and softly entrancing, so that the reader falls into the story and comes out the other side a changed person. This novel is no exception.
Full review:
http://theinsomniacbibliophile.blogsp...
January 20, 2016
Worthy by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a beautifully well-crafted story that took me right in from the very first scenes. You don't have to be an animal lover to be moved by this heart-felt drama. There are real life emotions that kept me as a reader interested, involved and entertained throughout. This is a deeply moving story that pulled on my heartstrings and made me hopeful for a happy ending. Very realistic and nicely written, I highly recommend this endearing story of love. Worthy is not only touching but empowering. Deserves readers attention.
January 3, 2022
Great emotional story! Love anything the author writes!
February 10, 2024
Enjoyed this book - good character development
July 7, 2020
Wow, I feel like I got duped. This book seems so far from all CRH other novels – like I entered an alternate universe. In one sense, the pattern is still there but with some big plot holes and overly implausible connections - which CRH has magically made doable in her older novel and more current novels (this one is in the middle of her catalog), BUT this time, everything just fails completely for me…I had major eye-rolling and I adore CRH!! I do!!
First, Jody is a character that I couldn’t connect with – same with Virginia. **spoilers** <*spoiler> How am I to believe that Jody’s family never talk about his parents or where he was born and raised for his 1st four years of life? How is Jody (at age 4) so grown (asking his dad about how to start a business) but at the same time so immature (he’s afraid of everything) – so uneven? How does Virginia not get over Aaron (Jody’s dad) after his death when he only barely asked her out on a date 19yrs earlier? If Aaron or any person, especially one with a history like Aaron, goes missing in a small town, wouldn’t they talk about it forever? Wouldn’t the small-town paper write stories (and updates) for years of the tragic loss of not finding the dad? Wouldn’t an obituary have been published and Virginia would then know the name of his son - even with the last name being stupidly changed for no plausible reason? Wouldn’t a memorial be held or even left at the location of death in a small town? What gives with Jody at 23yrs old- it's more than PTSD?? He said his grandfather had him test for autism (he wasn’t), but Jody seems to be written as autistic?? <*spoiler>
Virginia – I just did not like her character and her inconsistent ways. Totally in love?? w/a crappy abusive dude and the whole town tells her and yet….
I’m going to stop because I know this author has and will continue to produce great work. This is just a dud in her long line of accomplishments, in my opinion.
First, Jody is a character that I couldn’t connect with – same with Virginia. **spoilers** <*spoiler> How am I to believe that Jody’s family never talk about his parents or where he was born and raised for his 1st four years of life? How is Jody (at age 4) so grown (asking his dad about how to start a business) but at the same time so immature (he’s afraid of everything) – so uneven? How does Virginia not get over Aaron (Jody’s dad) after his death when he only barely asked her out on a date 19yrs earlier? If Aaron or any person, especially one with a history like Aaron, goes missing in a small town, wouldn’t they talk about it forever? Wouldn’t the small-town paper write stories (and updates) for years of the tragic loss of not finding the dad? Wouldn’t an obituary have been published and Virginia would then know the name of his son - even with the last name being stupidly changed for no plausible reason? Wouldn’t a memorial be held or even left at the location of death in a small town? What gives with Jody at 23yrs old- it's more than PTSD?? He said his grandfather had him test for autism (he wasn’t), but Jody seems to be written as autistic?? <*spoiler>
Virginia – I just did not like her character and her inconsistent ways. Totally in love?? w/a crappy abusive dude and the whole town tells her and yet….
I’m going to stop because I know this author has and will continue to produce great work. This is just a dud in her long line of accomplishments, in my opinion.
April 2, 2015
I truly enjoy most Catherine Ryan Hyde books, but this was a little too damn sad for my taste. The author takes a strong woman in a bad situation with her fiancé, a young man she knew when he was a child, and smashed it all together in a blender of despair. The book's ending was satisfactory, and there were no pesky threads left dangling, but I felt the resolution was a little trite. I still zipped right through it, and stayed up far later last night than I should have to finish it, because above all Hyde's writing is hypnotic. Unfortunately, after the last page I laid awake for hours just thinking about how wrecked some people's lives are. Fans of Jodi Picoult and Kristen Hannah will truly enjoy this latest story from Hyde.
December 20, 2017
I would give this book 2.5 stars if half stars were allowed. It should have been written as a short story, not a 300-page book. The reader knows what is going on the whole time and it takes forever for the main characters to figure it out. The plot was very contrived and drawn out unnecessarily. The first 10 percent and the last 10 percent of the book were the best parts. The middle could have been summarized in a few pages. I was suckered in by the dog on the cover. And the dog is actually one of the main characters, which is one of the reasons I rounded it up to 3 stars. If you're in the mood for a nice, easy read and you like dogs, give it a go. But don't say I didn't warn you about the middle dragging.
April 26, 2015
Virginia and Jody both have losses in their life. A wonderful but at times a little sad story of the dog that brought these two together in their time of need.
another charming heartwarming tale by this author. I have not been disappointed yet by any of her books.
thank you netgalley for this s advance copy of this book. loved it!
another charming heartwarming tale by this author. I have not been disappointed yet by any of her books.
thank you netgalley for this s advance copy of this book. loved it!
August 9, 2015
Touching
I knew where the plot was heading, but kept reading to know for sure that all the characters were hoping to be OK. It's that kind of book - as the reader you care what happens to the people. The length of this book does not allow for character development; however, they are believable and consistent.
I knew where the plot was heading, but kept reading to know for sure that all the characters were hoping to be OK. It's that kind of book - as the reader you care what happens to the people. The length of this book does not allow for character development; however, they are believable and consistent.
October 2, 2020
Certainly worthy of reading great story
Ups and downs for Jody, but mostly has been down. His mother died young and his father not long after.
He as been living with his grandpa, but after gramps wanders off and dies as a result of hypothermia he is alone.
His life changes when he rescued a dog that was dumped.
I won’t ruin the story you will have to read for yourself
Ups and downs for Jody, but mostly has been down. His mother died young and his father not long after.
He as been living with his grandpa, but after gramps wanders off and dies as a result of hypothermia he is alone.
His life changes when he rescued a dog that was dumped.
I won’t ruin the story you will have to read for yourself
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